Category Archives: Events

John Lewis: Good Trouble | Nationwide Watch Event and Virtual Panel Discussion

CAA_John Lewis Good Trouble logoAudiences Across the Country
Urged to Get into Good Trouble

Nationwide watch of documentary about John Lewis during September, plus virtual conversation with national civic leaders on September 21 at 7:00 PM

(Cincinnati, OH)  Representative John Lewis of Georgia — Freedom Rider and Congressman, Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree, and conscience of the nation —  served the cause of social justice for decades, both as an elected representative and as a groundbreaking activist whose fervent belief in getting into “good trouble, necessary trouble” for the cause of racial equality changed our country.

The Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) invites audiences to join in a nationwide watch, in collaboration with more than sixty of the nation’s arts and cultural institutions, of the riveting new documentary John Lewis: Good Trouble, which looks at the impact of Lewis’ life and work. CAA audiences will be able to rent the film directly from Magnolia Pictures, then take part in a live virtual conversation about John Lewis’ remarkable legacy. 

JOHN LEWIS DOCUMENTARY
The film celebrates Lewis’ sixty-plus years of activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform, and immigration through rare archival footage and exclusive interviews with the late Congressman.

This special rental of the documentary includes two extra features: an interview Congressman Lewis gave to Oprah Winfrey shortly before his death earlier this year, as well as a one-hour panel, recorded in July, with the documentary’s director, Dawn Porter, and two of Lewis’ fellow original Freedom Riders, Dr. Bernard Lafayette and Dr. Rip Patton.

The film’s $12.00 rental fee includes a $5.00 donation to the Cincinnati Arts Association. 

VIRTUAL PANEL DISCUSSON
After screening the film, audiences are invited to join a live, interactive online panel discussion about Lewis’ history and impact on the social justice struggles of today. Panelists include Dawn Porter, the film’s director; Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark, NJ; Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Professor of History, Race and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and Director of the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project; and Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, who worked extensively with Lewis to establish the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. The free virtual conversation takes place at 7:00 PM EST on Monday, September 21 on Zoom.

To rent the movie and register for the panel discussion, visit the Cincinnati Arts Association website at www.CincinnatiArts.org/John-Lewis 

The online conversation and coordinated effort amongst the country’s performing arts centers is produced by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) of Newark, NJ.

This event is part of NJPAC’s ongoing initiatives designed to offer both a greater understanding of current racial disparities and a forum for learning about the actions all citizens can take to advance the cause of equality.

“Everyone at NJPAC stands in solidarity with those fighting against structural racism, societal inequity, and police brutality, and for civil rights, multiculturalism and authentic inclusion. Changing the world requires the efforts of everyone. Now, more than ever, each of us has an indispensable part to play,” says John Schreiber, NJPAC’s President and CEO. For more information, please visit NJPAC’s website at NJPAC.org.

“We are very pleased to join NJPAC and performing arts centers across the country in offering this important documentary and panel discussion to our audiences,” said Steve Loftin, President, Cincinnati Arts Association. “Throughout history, the arts and culture have reflected and supported social change and civil rights, and it is our hope that this opportunity will add to the ongoing national and local conversation about equity, inclusion, and racial justice.”

CAA SEASON SPONSORS:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), FIFTH THIRD BANK (Lifetime Endowment Partner), CINCINNATI-NORTHERN KENTUCKY HONDA DEALERSFURNITURE FAIRLOCAL12 WKRC-TVThe P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

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Fitton Center and Pyramid Hill Announce A New Live Performance Series

MISC_Fitton Center logoHamilton, Ohio. The Fitton Center for Creative Arts and Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in in Hamilton, Ohio are pleased to announce that they are partnering on a brand new outdoor concert series, Fitton on the Hill! Presented in Pyramid Hill’s outstanding covered outdoor pavilion.

The Just Strange Brothers kick things off, 7pm Friday 18 September with a 70s & 80s Jukebox. The Just Strange Brothers, present a night of classic 70s & 80s music, including hits from Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Earth Wind Fire, Toto, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, and much, much more!

Friday October 2 at 7pm will be a family style event with Cincinnati’s favorite puppet theater, Madcap Puppets bringing the classic fairytale of Pinocchio to life.

And the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra will feature vocalist Mandy Gaines for a special afternoon of Big Band Jazz on Sunday October 4 at 2pm with a performance of classic jazz standards, the Great American Songbook and Big Band Swing!

The Fitton Center & Pyramid Hill have been working closely with the Butler County Health department on all planning for the event, and all seating groups or family units will be set with socially distant spacing, with plenty of room to move. Masks will be required for all patrons when not in their designated seats. Free parking will be available on site, and venue entrance drop-off for patrons will be available for all performances.

Tickets can be purchased from the Fitton Center Box Office at fittoncenter.org or by phone at 513 863 8873. Online sales will be limited to a maximum of 4 seats. For family group sales of 5 or more seats, please call the box office. Tickets for the 70s & 80s Jukebox and Big Band Jazz are $27 for Fitton Center and Pyramid Hill Members and $33 for non-members. Tickets for Pinocchio are $8 & $10 respectively.

For additional information about the Fitton on the Hill, please contact Fitton Center Executive Director by phone at:
513.926.9743
or by email at ian@fittoncenter.org.

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue on the Riverfront in downtown Hamilton, Ohio.

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Building Community Excellence through the Arts and Culture

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Equality Productions Presents RESILIENCE MONOLOGUES: An Open Air Performance

EP_logo(Cincinnati, Ohio) Equality Productions of Cincinnati has curated RESILIENCE MONOLOGUES: A Live Outdoor Performance of monologues written and performed by local authors and artists.

* Sunday, September 13th, 7PM
* Shelter House 1 at Middleton-Mills Park in Latonia, KY.

* RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Email equalityproductionscincy@gmail.com
* Weather conditions are expected to be sunny with temperatures in the lower 70s. The shows must go on, safely!

The performance will take place in a shelter house that has picnic tables for family groups, with safety in mind. Tables will be spaced about 8 feet apart within the shelter, all with great views of actors. The show is expected to be about 45 minutes.

Monologues to be performed:

  • WOODWORKER by Eric Thomas
    Performed by Chris Bishop
  • LIFE REQUIRES REBOUND by Alan Jozwiak
    Performed by Rory Sheridan
  • LOVE EVOLVES by Eric Thomas
    Performed by Tobie Braverman
  • HATS OFF QUARANTINE by Stephanie Klein
    Performed by Oliver Davis
  • MESSAGE FROM THE ISS by Mary Beringer
    Performed by Stephanie Klein
  • JOE – AT THE EDGE OF THE LIGHT by Chris Bishop
    Performed by Eric Thomas
  • THAT WOMAN GAVE ME A TWENTY by Becca Eaton
    Performed by Jim Waldfogle

Reservations required in order to preserve proper distancing. Email equalityproductionscincy@gmail.com with your reservation request.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children ages 12-17.
Payment can be made via a Paypal account to confirm the reservation.

Support local live theatre, however you can!

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Equality Productions Presents A DOLL’S HOUSE PART 2 by Lucas Hnath

EP_A Dolls House Part 2 logo(Cincinnati, Ohio) Equality Productions of Cincinnati presents an online theatrical event, with 100% of the sales benefiting three charities selected by the cast and director.

Streaming exclusively on Sunday, September 6 and Sunday, September 13, A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART TWO by Lucas Hnath explores the impact of Nora returning to the house she left in the Ibsen classic.

The play begins with a knock on the door — the same door that was slammed shut, fifteen years earlier when Nora exited at the end of Ibsen’s play. Nora has returned, and it is she who is knocking. After leaving her husband, children, and the nursemaid, Nora became a successful feminist novelist. The reason for her return is to finalize a divorce from Torvald; she needs him to sign the legal papers. Nora is questioned about what she has been doing, and the family and the nursemaid express their recriminations of her.

Lucas Hnath’s bitingly funny sequel to Ibsen’s revolutionary masterpiece unfolds in a series of bristling stand-offs that reveal in Nora’s world, much like our own, behind every opinion there is a person, and a slamming door isn’t just an end, but also the chance for a new beginning.

The play received 8 Tony nominations, including Best Play, when it appeared on Broadway in 2017.

Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMtzisqsjnI

To purchase a ticket to the play, make a donation to one or more of the three charities listed below. Email the receipt or screenshot of your donation to equalityproductionscincy@gmail.com. Or make a donation through Paypal (choose a payment to a friend) to equalityproductionscincy@gmail.com and specify which organization should receive your donation. Either way that you donate, you will then receive a link via email to the video the evening before the video is available on 9/6 and again on 9/13.

The suggested donation is $10, but donate what you can. Equality Productions will distribute 100% of the donations.

The talented group of actors who volunteered their talents to raise money for worthy organizations:

  • Nora: Tish Sloan (Humboldt County, CA)
  • Anne Marie: Christine McBurney (Cleveland, OH)
  • Torvald: Eric Thomas (Florence, KY)
  • Emmy: Marina Lauff (New York, NY)
  • Director: Cleo DeOrio (Eureka, CA)

All those involved in the production have selected three organizations to receive your donations:

Red Eagle Soaring – https://www.redeaglesoaring.org/ – Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theatre (RES) exists to empower American Indian and Alaska Native youth to express themselves with confidence and clarity through traditional and contemporary performing arts.

Karamu House Theatre – https://karamuhouse.org/ – Founded in 1915, Karamu House is a place of joyful gathering (the meaning of ‘Karamu” in Swahili), where people from different races, religions, and economic backgrounds come together through the arts. Recognized as the oldest, producing African American theatre in the nation, Karamu House is continually cited as one of Cleveland’s top four treasures.

Humboldt Rape Crisis – http://www.ncrct.org/index.html – The North Coast Rape Crisis Team was established in 1981 as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation. It exists to develop, promote and support programs for sexual assault survivors and sexual assault prevention education projects in Del Norte and Humboldt counties in California.

Experience this unique theatrical presentation, where all actors were performing from different states, recorded as if they were in the same room with each other.

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The Carnegie Announces Tiny Concert and Community Film Series Dates

TC_logo_newCOVINGTON, KY – The Carnegie is preparing for its first-ever Tiny Concert Series, featuring local singers and Carnegie favorites, and Community Film Series next month.

The Carnegie Tiny Concert Series

Tiny Concert Series performances begin September 5 and 50 tickets are available for purchase for each show held in The Carnegie’s 447 seat theatre to allow for safe social distancing. For those who are unable to attend the concerts in person, the shows will be available online via a ticketed live stream to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. All shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and are one hour. Tickets are $25 and available via The Carnegie Box Office at (859) 957-1940, Tuesday through Friday, Noon to 5 pm, or online at thecarnegie.com.

Jimmy Lee Hook | Saturday, September 5
Jimmy Lee Hook is a top-shelf songwriter, having worked with some of the biggest legends in the New York music scene. He will be performing songs from master songwriters such as Billy Joel, Elton John, James Taylor, and others….and a few of his own.

Spring Starr Pillow and Heather Hale | Saturday, October 10
Enjoy songs from Rocky Horror Picture Show, Pippin, and fun pop songs with a scary theme. Don’t miss the Halloween fun, COVID style.

S•T•E•E•L•E …the One with The Redheads | Saturday, Oct. 17 & Sunday, Oct. 25
Join the gang of Steele for a night of song, laughter, and dance, from Broadway to Hollywood. When it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year, they’ll be there for you.

Tia Seay | Saturday, November 21
Tia Seay is a soulful singer with a powerhouse soprano belt, a jazzy soul and a heart for the blues. Forever your dream girl, this Queen can’t wait to bring her big, belty soul back to The Carnegie stage!

DeAndre Smith | Friday, December 18
Grab a cup of your favorite hot chocolate or eggnog and pull up a socially distanced seat with R. DeAndré Smith and enjoy the sounds of a wintery wonderland.

Emily Martin | Saturday, January 9
Join Emily Martin for a night of tunes and entertainment. A native of Fort Thomas, Emily currently teaches Theatre, Film Studies, and Visual Art for Holy Cross High School. Her onstage credits include roles for the Walt Disney World Entertainment, The Human Race theatre, and a stint on the Delta Queen as the “Red Hot Mamma.” Recent local credits include Beechmont Players, James and the Giant Peach as Spiker, Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde at The Footlighters, and Mrs. Teavee in Willy Wonka at the Carnegie.

Bethany Xan Jeffery | Saturday, January 30, Wednesday, February 3 & Saturday, February 6
Bethany Xan Jeffery returns to The Carnegie after her role in SWING! If you’re a musical theatre nerd who loves music from Stephen Sondheim to Jule Styne to Kander and Ebb, stays up late to watch YouTube videos of divas like Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, and Bernadette Peters, or who inappropriately sings show tunes at karaoke night, then this concert is for you!

“Lunch with Brian” Performed by Kyle Taylor | Wednesday, February 17 & Saturday, February 20
Written and performed by Kyle Taylor, “Lunch with Brian” is a show that takes place from the perspective of Jason Rodgers, a novelist who recounts the stories of his twin brother Brian, who was born with cerebral palsy. It’s a story about family, sacrifice, unconditional love, and a little bit of anime.

“All the Queen’s Men: Love, Life, and Enjoying the Ride” with Torie Wiggins | Saturday, February 27
Join Torie Wiggins for a cabaret-style performance as she chronicles a life of learning about love in all its forms and shortcomings. All while enjoying the ride – loving, living, and singing!

Darnell Pierre Benjamin | Wednesday, March 3 & Wednesday, March 10
Join Darnell Pierre Benjamin for an original one-man-show. Once, in an interview, James Baldwin was asked “When you were starting out as a writer, you were Black, impoverished, homosexual. You must have said to yourself ‘Gee, how disadvantaged can I get’?” His response, “Oh no! I thought I hit the jackpot. It’s so outrageous; you cannot go any further. So, you had to find a way to use it.” I guess I’ll have to do just that: Use it!

The Carnegie Community Film Series

To continue The Carnegie’s mission to provide art experiences in a historic space for the public, free viewings of movie musicals will be held for audiences of just 50 people in the theatre throughout the fall beginning September 27. All screenings begin at 2 p.m. and tickets can be reserved at The Carnegie Box Office at (859) 957-1940, Tuesday through Friday, Noon to 5 pm, or online at thecarnegie.com. 

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella | Sunday, September 27
The classic tale of Cinderella as brought to the screen in the 1997 made-for-tv movie.  Cinderella (Brandy) chafes under the cruelty of her wicked stepmother (Bernadette Peters) and her evil stepsisters until her Fairy Godmother (Whitney Houston) steps in to change her life for one unforgettable night. Rated G. 

The Nightmare Before Christmas | Sunday, October 25
The Nightmare Before Christmas (also known as Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas) is a 1993 American stop-motion animated musical. This Halloween-Christmas fantasy film is a modern classic for the holiday season. Rated PG. 

Cats | Sunday, November 15
Join The Carnegie for a night of adult frivolity while enjoying Cats, the 2019 musical fantasy film. This event will feature games to play along, shout-outs, and snarky commentary that will leave you meowing in the aisles. Cats is based on the 1981 stage musical of the same name by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Rated PG, but event is suggested for 18 and up. 

Singing in the Rain | Sunday, December 20
Singin’ in the Rain is a classic American musical directed and choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, starring Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. It offers a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s, with the three stars portraying performers caught up in the transition from silent films to “talkies”. Hit songs include Make ‘Em Laugh, Good Morning, and Singing in the Rain. Rated G. 

A NOTE ON SOCIAL DISTANCING
Patrons will be asked to wear a mask and to practice safe social distancing while patronizing indoor performances or services at The Carnegie. Hand sanitizing stations will be available and additional cleaning regimens will be in place between performances and film screenings.

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About The Carnegie
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue providing theatre events, educational programs and art exhibitions to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. The Carnegie facility is home to The Carnegie Galleries, the Otto M. Budig Theatre, and the Eva G. Farris Education Center.  More information about The Carnegie is available at thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030.

The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from Cincinnati International Wine Festival, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, the Kentucky Arts Council and the City of Covington. The Carnegie is also supported by the generosity of more than 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

About The Carnegie Theatre Series
The Carnegie Theatre Series produces professional, innovative stagings of an eclectic range of theatrical works. Striving to unite the greater Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati theatre community through partnerships and collaborations, the series engages and nurtures both emerging and established talent, including working professionals, committed part-time theatre artists, university performing arts students and younger students. The Carnegie Theatre Series productions bring together these forces to provide quality theatre for Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati area.

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